Los Angeles First Responder Claims Attorneys
Free Case Evaluation
$2 Billion
in Personal Injury Results
$150 Million
in Employment Law Results
for First Responders
Fighting against discrimination and harassment for California’s finest
First responders are heroes. They’re the folks who run towards danger and help create order out of chaos. They are the people who keep us safe and protect us from harm.
McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP is proud to represent first responders when they are the ones who need protection. We put our years of experience fighting discrimination, retaliation, and harassment to work on behalf of the people who keep our communities safe. Whether you’re a firefighter, in law enforcement, a member of EMS, or serving in any first responder capacity, we are here to help. We have secured millions on behalf of first responders, including:
$5.9 Million
for 10 Los Angeles Police Department motor officers claimed they were retaliated against for refusing to follow a ticket quota.
$5.3 Million
in favor of first African American member of Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad for harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
$3.59 Million
for a Japanese American officer in the Los Angeles Police Department K9 Unit, for harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
$2.75 Million
unanimous verdict on behalf of a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) employee who experienced retaliation after blowing the whistle on potential grant fraud and abuse.
$2.3 Million
in favor of a female officer denied a position on elite police squad; Found all male SWAT team of Los Angeles Police Department liable for gender discrimination.
$2.3 Million
in favor of female Los Angeles Police Department officer who was subjected to sexual harassment, causing pre-term labor that led to the loss of her child at 23 weeks.
What kinds of discrimination cases do your Los Angeles attorneys handle?
McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP handles a wide array of employment issues on behalf of first responders in Los Angeles and Southern California. Among the most common are claims involving:
- Employment Discrimination
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Sexual Harassment
- Wage & Hour Claims (FLSA)
- Whistleblower Claims
- Workers’ Compensation Retaliation
- Wrongful Termination
Most of the cases we take are on behalf of folks who have suffered because of policies which inherently discriminate against sex, gender, age, race or color, national origin, weight, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or religion.
- If you have been denied fair pay or an opportunity for advancement because of who you are, we can help.
- If you are being harassed or abused because of what you believe or who you love, we can help.
- If your supervisors are ignoring behaviors and actions that are causing you harm, we can help.
Which first responders do you represent?
Our Los Angeles attorneys are here to help no matter what role you play within your department or organization. Every single person is important – and every single one of you deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, especially in the workplace. Among the heroes we represent are:
- Firefighters
- Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies
- Narcotics Officers
- SWAT Members
- Correction Officers
- Park Rangers
- School Resource Officers
- Court Officers
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Paramedics
- Medevac Operators
- Dispatchers
- Medical Personnel
- Security Officers
We understand that the needs of first responders may differ from those of other employees. McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP serves as Panel Counsel to the Los Angeles Police Protective League, giving us a unique insight – and giving you an advantage if a trial becomes necessary.
What if I’m a volunteer?
Volunteer first responders are among the most selfless people there are. Just because you are not employed by a department does not mean you can be subjected to abuse or harassment. McNicholas & McNicholas proudly represents volunteer first responders in and around Los Angeles who have suffered harm because of sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliatory behaviors within their departments.
We also represent folks who have been subjected to harassment or employment disputes related to their volunteer services. If you are engaged in emergency duties, your employer cannot deny you time off or retaliate against you for these services. If they do, we can help.
Which laws protect Los Angeles’ first responders?
It is against state and federal law to engage in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Some of the laws which protect you include:
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
- California False Claims Act
- The California Firefighter Peer Support and Crisis Referral Services Act
- California’s Labor Code
- The Emergency Medical Services: Dispatch law
- The Equal Pay Act
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
- The False Claims Act
- The Family Medical Leave Act
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Trauma Treatment Act
- The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
Blowing the whistle on abuse, fraud, or corruption
When you are employed by LAPD, LAFD, or in any department as a public employee, and you discover an act of fraud, abuse, or corruption, you can file a whistleblower claim. Under the law, you cannot be retaliated against for doing this – but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
McNicholas & McNicholas has experience representing first responders in Los Angeles who have been subjected to retaliatory actions such as demotions, suspensions, loss of job or benefits, harassment, involuntary transfers, and more. Don't wait to get our attorneys on your side
How long do I have to file a claim for harassment or discrimination in Los Angeles?
The time frame, or statute of limitations, may vary based on the type of claim you have and the applicable laws. Don’t wait: call us today to get started so you are not time barred from collecting compensation.
What damages can I seek if I was harassed or discriminated against?
Different types of claims may entitle you to different types of damages. Among the most common are:
- Lost wages
- Loss of benefits
- Compensatory damages (pain and suffering, humiliation, loss of reputation, etc.)
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
- Injunctive relief like job reinstatement
Experienced representation for first responder claims in Los Angeles
You put your life on the line for your community; you deserve to know that we have your back when your rights have been violated. The Los Angeles employment lawyers of McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP are proud to help first responders throughout Southern California. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, please call or contact our firm today.
List of Agencies We are Suing or Have Sued
- LAPD
- LA Co Sheriff
- Berkely PD
- Riverside PD
- Huntington Beach PD
- Redondo Beach PD
- Ukiah PD
- Willits PD
- City of Richmond (Non LEO/Employment)
- Palo Alto PD
- Santa Barbara County Sheriff
- Chula Vista PD
- San Joaquin County Sheriff
- Fremont PD
- Walnut Creek PD
- Shasta County Sheriff
- Contra Costa Sheriff (Non LEO/Employment)
- El Segundo PD
- San Diego PD
- El Monte PD
- Pomona PD
- LAWA
- Culver City PD (Non LEO)
- Berkeley Fire/CoB (Non LEO)
- LAFD